Aluminum

aluminum (Al), chemical element, a lightweight silvery white metal of main Group 13 (IIIa, or boron group) of the periodic table. Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in Earth's crust and the most widely used nonferrous metal.

Aluminium is widely used in the packaging industry for the production of coils, cans, foils, and other wrapping materials. It is also a component of many commonly used items such as utensils and watches. In construction industries, aluminium is employed in the manufacture of doors, windows, wires, and roofing.

Magnesium

Identity.

Aluminum (Al), chemical element, a lightweight silvery white metal of main Group 13 (IIIa, or boron group) of the periodic table. Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in Earth's crust and the most widely used nonferrous metal.

Atomic Structure:

Aluminum is a metal in group IIIA of the periodic table with atomic number 13, an atomic weight of 26.982, and a density of 2.70. It has a melting temperature of 660 C. The electronic configuration of Aluminum is (Ne)(3s)2(3p)1, and it has an atomic radius of 0.143 nm.

History.

The history of aluminium was shaped by the usage of its compound alum. The first written record of alum was in the 5th century BCE by Greek historian Herodotus.[2] The ancients used it as a dyeing mordant, in medicine, in chemical milling, and as a fire-resistant coating for wood to protect fortresses from enemy arson.

Aluminium metal was unknown. Roman writer Petronius mentioned in his novel Satyricon that an unusual glass had been presented to the emperor: after it was thrown on the pavement, it did not break but only deformed. It was returned to its former shape using a hammer. After learning from the inventor that nobody else knew how to produce this material, the emperor had the inventor executed so that it did not diminish the price of gold.

Paracelsus

Usage.

Aluminium is used in a huge variety of products including cans, foils, kitchen utensils, window frames, beer kegs and aeroplane parts. This is because of its particular properties.

  • Transportation: Aluminum is used extensively in cars, airplanes, bicycles, and even ships because it's lighter than other metals without sacrificing strength. This makes it more fuel-efficient for vehicles and lighter for aircraft, improving their performance and range.
  • Construction: Aluminum is used in building materials like window frames, siding, and roofing due to its durability and light weight, which reduces stress on structures.
  • Electrical applications: Aluminum is used in power lines, cables, and electrical conductors because it's a good conductor of electricity. It's also lighter than copper, making it more cost-effective for long-distance transmission lines.
Some of the benefits of using magnesium are:
  • Aluminum is one of the lightest metals, making it a popular choice for applications where weight is a major concern, such as in aircraft, bicycles, and cars. This can lead to improved fuel efficiency and performance.
  • Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a good choice for applications that will be exposed to the elements, such as building materials, outdoor furniture, and marine equipment.
  • Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and electricity, making it useful for applications such as electrical wiring, heat sinks, and cookware.
  • Aluminum is one of the most recyclable metals, with a recycling rate of over 70%. This helps to conserve resources and reduce energy consumption.

Sources.

It is usually found in minerals such as bauxite and cryolite. These minerals are aluminium silicates. Most commercially produced aluminium is extracted by the Hall–Héroult process. In this process aluminium oxide is dissolved in molten cryolite and then electrolytically reduced to pure aluminium.

Bauxite is the main source of aluminium which is one of the non-ferrous metals.

Properties.

magnesium is a chemical element classified as an alkaline earth metal. Magnesium has the characteristic properties of metals, such as: metallic luster, high thermal and electrical conductivity, malleability (ability to be shaped without breaking), and ductility.

Some properties of the element Magnesium: (1) Magnesium is the alkaline earth metal. (2) Magnesium lies in group 2 of the periodic table. (3) The atomic number of Magnesium is 12.